The 2012 New Play Development Workshop will begin in early 2012.

What is the NPDW?

The Women’s Theatre Alliance New Play Development Workshop brings playwrights, directors and actors together to develop new work. Through peer group sessions, playwrights have a chance to hear their scenes read aloud by local actors and to receive feedback which will help them work toward the goal of a completed draft by the end of the workshop.

The NPDW is designed for experienced playwrights and directors. This is not a class. The workshop is not a service but a program that is supported and administered by its participants. The WTA board, staff and programming directors are all volunteers and members of the WTA.

The New Play Development Workshop brings playwrights, directors, and actors together to facilitate the development of new work.

How do I apply?  
All applicants will be considered, a maximum of eight playwrights will be chosen. Please note that in accordance with the WTA mission, primary consideration will be given to female playwrights and to applicants whose playwriting ideas suggest an interest in developing roles for women and in exploring issues that affect women.

To apply: Send an e-mail which includes a brief description of your play idea and a sample of your writing to wtachicago@gmail.com. The writing sample does not have to be related to your play idea. Alternatively, you may mail your application materials to:

What are my obligations as a playwright if I’m selected? 

1.      To cover costs of production, you will be assessed a onetime fee of $30.  

2.      Playwrights must attend and contribute their work to NPDW meetings.  Failure to do so may disqualify you from being able to have your scene produced on stage at the end of the program.

3.      The WTA will be mentioned in the program at any future readings or productions of the play.

 
How do I find a director and actors to work with?  

If there's a director you know that you would like to work with, contact them to discuss it. We will invite directors who have submitted applications to the NPDW to one of the early meeting, where you will meet each other and discuss the ideas the playwrights are working on. The WTA and your director will assist with the casting process for the final performance and will invite actors to attend and participate in the reading and feedback portion of the regular meetings.  

 
About the final scene productions: Although the WTA will publicize the event, note that you are also responsible for creating your audience. The NPDW asks for a $5 donation at the door from the general public. WTA recommends that the writer, director and cast schedule at least 3 rehearsals of 2-3 hours in length prior to the performance date and outside of our scheduled meeting times.